Years ago, when my family first moved to New Orleans, we had the opportunity to visit Folsom for a polo match.Yes, a polo match.Within easy driving distance of the city, the suburban hubs of Mandeville and Covington, there were verdant pastures that held spectacular horses, splendid houses and secret homesteads.And a polo field.

JAMES GAFFNEY / THE TIMES-PICAYUNE

What a find this was. Someone had ventured into the reaches of St. Tammany Parish to get to an area that has the charm of Kentucky and the flavor of the Crescent City.On a return trip to St. Tammany, I stumbled across the jewel that is Abita Springs. The small-town feeling reminded me of my Ascension Parish hometown in the early 60s, with a heavy dose of artistic flare draped over an enchanted locale. Despite their differences, Abita Springs and Folsom offer local residents a number of living options that seem to have been kept a secret for many years.Realtors will be quick to say, however, that the cat is out of the bag — Folsom and Abita Springs are great places to live and offer residents a unique experience.

JAMES GAFFNEY / THE TIMES-PICAYUNE

HOMES ON THE RANGEBuyers are looking at these areas for a number of reasons. One most mentioned by real estate professionals familiar with the area includes room to spread out.“Folks that are looking for country living, that’s where it’s at,” said Kathy Hayward of COLDWELL BANKER TEC Realtors. Buyers “want some breathing room, some place they can stretch out.” Folsom offers “good value for the dollar — bigger home and a lot more land.”Quantity of land is important for many people, particularly the those with equine proclivities.“We have a lot of people that have horses,” said the St. Tammany Realtor. “You have to be careful that the property is high enough. Our area up here is conducive to horse farms because it is high.”Even those without horses will find tempting tracts in the area, for a number of reasons.“Buyers to the Folsom area come from local residents as well as south-shore buyers moving a little farther north for space,” said Louise Brady of LATTER & BLUM, Inc., Realtors. “You usually find that buyers wants some acreage with their homes.”The best of both rural and suburban living can be found. “There are many great country subdivisions that offer covenants but stay with a rural setting,” noted Brady. Others seek additional residences for a variety of reason.“Buyers to this area are also second-home buyers that want a country home away from the city,” said Brady.And, for those who wish to build from the ground up, there are parcels of land in the region that can comfortably hold a cottage for Thumbalina or a snazzy mansion for Jack’s beanstalk giant.

JAMES GAFFNEY / THE TIMES-PICAYUNE

A DIFFERENT BEATWith the Tammany Trace running through downtown, cafes, and shops, plus a palatable art vibe, Abita Springs has an attraction all to itself.Realtors point to the Trace as a magnet for runners, cyclists, walkers and those taking advantage of the pastoral nature of the miles-long attraction.Festivals, art shows and town-wide community events in Abita Springs are also draws for residents and non-residents alike. But such elements make Abita wonderfully lively for those folks who want a weekend or summer getaway with a spark of interest.

PRICES ARE ATTRACTIVEFactoring into all the above is a major point that makes Abita Springs and Folsom two areas of the metropolitan region in demand — price.“What attracts buyers to the Folsom area is the variety of property types and price ranges available,” said Kathy Delatte of PRUDENTIAL GARDNER, Realtors. “Since the beginning of the year, properties have sold from the modest home (under $100,000) to the magnificent thoroughbred horse farm (near $1 million).”And there are more properties on the market that can fill the needs for owners seeking a monumental maison.“There are presently $3-million and $4-million properties on the market if you’re interested,” notes Delatte. “The availability of large portions of land is the biggest draw and we see both south-shore and out-of-state buyers equally.”Interest rates being some of the lowest in history, such offerings are not out of the question, particularly with the advantages offered by these two places to live.But the covert comforts of Abita Springs and Folsom may not be covert much longer.“It was the best kept secret of the north shore – but the secret is out!”

By Victor M. AndrewsSpecial Sections staff writerVictor Andrews can be reached at vandrews@timespicayune.com